LIAR

Fourteen-year-old Alex is given one last chance when his probation moves him to his grandparents. His life has been based on lies, both his mother's and his own, and his only other option is a school for delinquents if he does anything wrong. Alex is doubtful of his chances when he is accused of a crime, but he decides to fight for what has become his home. Scott Shina's clear narration conveys all of Alex's inner turmoil, as well as a wide spectrum of characteristics that give the listener definite mental images of the secondary characters who are striving for Alex to succeed or waiting for him to fail. The age, geographic background, and socioeconomic status of each speaker is never in doubt. Older teens will enjoy this realistic portrayal of a downward spiral. B.F. (c) AudioFile 2002, Portland, Maine [Published: FEB/ MAR 02]